Attractions and Places To See around Paisley - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around Paisley offer a range of outdoor activities centered around natural springs, lakes, and forest trails. This region provides opportunities for swimming, hiking, and cycling within a natural setting. Visitors can explore various recreation areas and historical sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Paisley
- The most popular attractions is Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, a lake that spans 32 acres, encircled by longleaf pine and wiregrass. This shaded, wooded setting is suitable for camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking.
- Another must-see spot is Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, an intermediate trail through the woods. This path consists of packed sand, dirt, and can be muddy after rain, forming a large loop.
- Visitors also love Alexander Springs Recreation Area, a lake with clear water. This area is known as a swimming location among the springs in the Ocala National Forest.
- Paisley is known for its lakes, forest trails, and historical sites. The area offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions to explore.
- The attractions around Paisley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 highlights and 11 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Highlight • Lake
You have to pay an entrance fee of 5.50 Dollars, tent sites are 21 Dollars per night. Since there are just a few sites, reserve in advance.
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Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
Highlight • Lake
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Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Birth of the Florida Trail Historical Marker
Highlight • Historical Site
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Shockley Cemetery
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
I rode a day after a light rain and encountered no mud. The trails are sandy This section of trail was quite soft. Take a mini pump and adjust tire pressures accordingly. I rode 2.2 tires at 30psi and suffered in the east.
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It must’ve been hard living here in the late 1800’s. If you’d like to visit I think it’s easier to leave the trail and cut through the woods to the road that runs just to the south of the cemetery itself. The next road south after that is unridable sand and I pedaled through the brush anyhow.
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Clearwater Lake Recreation Area spans 32 acres, encircled by longleaf pine and wiregrass. This shaded, wooded setting is perfect for camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking. Paddle a canoe or kayak around the lake’s shoreline, just over a mile in circumference. Camp in one of the 42 breezy, shaded sites at Clearwater Lake Campground, with bathhouses and showers. The lake is open for fishing or a refreshing dip.
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The Paisley Woods Bike Trail is a classic Florida trail consisting of packed sand, dirt, and (after rainy days) mud. This path winds its way through the woods and creates a big loop. It is suggested to air down and run wider tires if you have them.
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The foundation for the 1,000-mile Florida Trail was laid back in 1966. Jim Kern, a Florida resident set out to build a similar trail through Florida with his brother after hiking the Appalachian Trail. The first sections were built here in the Ocala National Forest. It took 17 years for the Florida Trail to finally join the ranks of the eleven National Scenic Trails.
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A small, cozy campsite with a beautiful lake that invites you to swim. In Paisley there is everything a hiker needs, a pub, laundromat and shops. So an ideal place to take a day off on the FT.
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The spring pot has the clearest water I've ever seen and invites you to swim.
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A blue blazed trail leads you to Alexander Springs Recreation Area, which is the best swimming area of all the springs in the Ocala National Forest. There is limited food concession and it is not open weekdays in fall or winter. You may get microwave burgers, cold drinks and snacks. Hot showers and restrooms are available in the campground and at the recreation area. You have to pay an entrance fee of 5.50 Dollars, tent sites are 21 Dollars per night. Since there are just a few sites, reserve in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor attractions around Paisley?
Paisley offers several excellent outdoor attractions. You can explore the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area, a 32-acre lake perfect for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Another popular spot is the Alexander Springs Recreation Area, known for its clear waters and as a prime swimming location within the Ocala National Forest.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Paisley area?
Yes, both the Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area are considered family-friendly. They offer activities like swimming, picnicking, and easy access to nature, making them suitable for visitors of all ages.
What kind of cycling routes are available near Paisley?
For cyclists, the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail offers an intermediate route through the woods. This large loop consists of packed sand and dirt, though it can be muddy after rain. It's recommended to use wider tires and adjust pressure for the sandy sections.
Where can I go swimming around Paisley?
The Alexander Springs Recreation Area is renowned as the best swimming area among the springs in the Ocala National Forest, boasting exceptionally clear water. The Clearwater Lake Recreation Area also provides a refreshing lake for swimming.
Are there historical sites to visit near Paisley?
Yes, you can visit the Birth of the Florida Trail Historical Marker, which commemorates where the first sections of the 1,000-mile Florida Trail were built in 1966. Another historical point of interest is Shockley Cemetery, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Alexander Springs Recreation Area?
Visitors particularly enjoy the crystal-clear water of the spring pot at Alexander Springs Recreation Area, making it an inviting spot for swimming. The area also offers amenities like hot showers and restrooms, though food concessions are limited.
What facilities are available at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area?
The Clearwater Lake Recreation Area provides 42 breezy, shaded campsites with bathhouses and showers. It's well-suited for camping, picnicking, swimming, and hiking, with opportunities for canoeing or kayaking around the lake.
Can I hike near Paisley's attractions?
Absolutely. Both Clearwater Lake Recreation Area and Alexander Springs Recreation Area offer hiking opportunities. The region is known for its forest trails, providing a natural setting for exploration. For more hiking options, you can explore the wider area around Paisley.
What should I know about the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail conditions?
The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is primarily packed sand and dirt. After rain, sections can become muddy. It's advisable to consider airing down your tires and using wider tires if possible to navigate the softer, sandy parts of the trail effectively.
Are there any natural springs to visit in the area?
Yes, the Alexander Springs Recreation Area is a prominent natural spring in the Ocala National Forest, celebrated for its exceptionally clear water, making it a popular spot for swimming and enjoying nature.
What is the significance of the Birth of the Florida Trail Historical Marker?
The Birth of the Florida Trail Historical Marker marks the location where the initial sections of the 1,000-mile Florida Trail were established in 1966. It signifies the beginning of a significant long-distance hiking trail, inspired by the Appalachian Trail.
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